Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah.
So I Did
Almost exactly one year ago I spent two lovely weeks in Sedona; hiking, swimming, photographing and exploring. In fact, I enjoyed Sedona so much last year that as soon as I left I already knew that I had to return someday.
So I did.
I just spent ten days back in Sedona and, as expected, the return felt wonderful. Just like last year, I hung out with old friends, made new friends, enjoyed the local swimming holes, went on some wonderful hikes and, of course, took lots of photos. The biggest difference between this year and last, however, was that this year I got to experience a Sedona heatwave in which the temperatures got well into the 90’s. Now, before some of you roll your eyes and think “90’s isn’t so bad,” please remember that I’m currently living in a black van (which doesn’t have air conditioning in the living area).
Did I want a black van? No. But did I come across an opportunity that I couldn’t refuse and the van happened to be black? Yes. Besides, I’m not convinced that a white van would be thaaaat much cooler.
Anyways.
To be honest, while it did get pretty dang warm in my van, it never became unbearable. Maybe it’s the robust insulation levels, or my strategic use of my three different fans, or the fact that I did a pretty good job keeping the windows covered in order to prevent the greenhouse effect. Orrrrr it could be that I’m super stubborn and don’t want to admit how hot it actually was. We’ll never know.
But, although the heat wave wasn’t exactly ideal, it did force me into a nice little routine that I came to enjoy. During the cool(er) mornings I’d often start my day by relaxing in the van, writing, editing photos or chatting with the friends I was with. Then, once the heat picked up, me and the gang would usually seek out one of the local swimming holes. There’s just something about ropeswinging into deep, refreshing water that makes everything okay. We’d then return to camp, regroup, open a few vents and windows in the van, then head out for a sunset hike. By the time we got back, the van was mostly comfortable again. From there we’d eat, shower, sleep, then do it again the following day.
The worst of the heat only lasted about five days, so nothing awful, but I found that with some good friends to endure it with, beautiful scenery to be distracted by and a fun routine to pass the time, it really didn’t seem all that bad.
However, seeing as it’s not even summer yet and it’s only going to get hotter, I imagine it’s time to start seeking cooler areas. Unsurprisingly, I haven’t yet decided where that will be, but the fun part about doing what I’m doing is that pretty much any time I want to I can point my van in a direction and drive.
“Travel isn’t always pretty. It isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts, it even breaks your heart. But that’s okay. The journey changes you; it should change you. It leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your heart, and on your body. You take something with you. Hopefully, you leave something good behind.”
– Anthony Bourdain
Thank you for reading!
If so inclined, below are a few ways to help make me feel amazing:
